"Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they've made in their Navy and to increase awareness of the Navy in cities that don't have active duty naval bases," said Cmdr. Christopher Scholl.

The arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln kicked off the festivities at the Port of L.A. The ship just returned from the Middle East and will be stationed just off Cabrillo Beach for the week.

It usually carries more than 70 aircraft and more than 4,000 servicemen and women. The Lincoln has been in service for more than 20 years and involved in missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Malaysia, among others.

"It's probably a little longer than three football fields, so it's a very long ship," Scholl said. Jets and helicopters will be onboard, and the sheer "size and presence" of the ship is sure to draw attention, Scholl said.

It will be joined by the cruiser U.S.S. Princeton, the destroyer Chafee, and the minesweeper Champion.

The ships will be open to the public for tours through Sunday. Free parking will be provided, and the Red Car trolley, which runs along the waterfront, will be free.

The sailors and marines on board will be participating in charity events around Southern California for the next week.